My guess or take on Jake is that here you have a coach that is in control...unlike the rest of SA coaches that are in a panic mode some more than others...desperate changes and measures might win you the odd game but you'll fail to travel the full road and see the end unless you have a plan and control it.
For one...the taking of one step at a time works...treat each game as if it's the only one that matters...whether you win by 5 points or 20 is not the issue when you are on top and in control...getting bonus points is important when it becomes an issue...it is not an issue for them at the moment. Focusing on what is at hand is a very powerful tool. Each obstacle can be overcome with the goal in the forefront. Learn from the Chiefs and the Saders...this has become their secret of success...they and the Brumbies are the most focused teams at the moment. A lot of people thought the Saders had lost it this year...but the truth is that they are too professional a side to lie down and despite the huge loss of DC have found themselves again...Slade being a true warrior...I expect them to just even get better and in a way I'm glad that the Sharks have them on the agenda...this the most interesting test for Jake White.
Jakes coaching style is one of hard work in training but treated with huge motivational skills...something I've often observed in the teaching profession...for those who remember the late Skonk Nicholson the outstanding geography teacher and brilliant rugby coach at Maritzburg College who coached the teams during his very long career there. He was amazing...during his period there was almost a 10 year undefeated record against a Natal School and in the sixties, 13 players from his side got into Natal schools in one year. Even after he retired and left the school his mark was left and MC beat Grey Bloem at Goldstones and lost to the same opposition in their return match in Bloem by one unconverted try,both sides scoring equal number of tries. I think Jake has a lot of Skonk's tactics for Skonk was a simple and uncomplicated man but very intelligent in other ways...he was a psychologist in his understanding of young men playing a tough game. Probably the best motivator and communicator I've ever met. I'm sure Jake is a very good communicator.
I have faith in the Sharks doing it this time, even with their losses of key players...a loss of a good player can be overcome and treated positively...it's not Jake's style to sit back and use this as an excuse but rather to see it as a challenge...in a very simple way just as in a game of chess. It calls for one a bigger challenge with more thought.
Also not like some here I believe he has the men to do it...absolutely the best of tools with the skills and more important the right approach, frame of mind and belief in his guys.
Well...we'll see...I have great expectations.
